vol.61

OITA,S・ENGLISH・NEWSLETTER
May-June 2012
Issue 61
New Resident Registration System
On July 9th 2012 the Alien Registration Act will be abolished,
and in its place foreign residents living in Japan will receive
a Residence Record. Upon arrival in Japan, foreign nationals
will receive landing permission and be issued with a Residency
Card. After moving into permanent accommodation, foreign
nationals are required to register their address with their local
government office. Notification (or change) of address can be
filed at municipal offices, and all other changes including change
of name, application for reissue of residency card, application
to update validity period of card and notification concerning the
organization to which the applicant belongs are to be reported to
Regional Immigration Offices.
and issue them with a Provisional Resident Record. Valid alien
registration certificates will be deemed equivalent to a resident
card until a determined date (approximately three years after
the implementation date), after which foreign nationals will be
required to apply for a resident card.
For those already living in Japan who have been issued an Alien
Registration Card by a municipality, and are expected to still be
living in that municipality when the system changes (July 9th,
2012), the changeover process will be relatively simple. Local
Governments will notify all foreigners of the impending change,
For more information contact the Immigration Information
Center TEL: 0570-013904
The immigration Bureau also has a comprehensive e-brochure
available at:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/index.html
A new ‘special re-entry system’ will be introduced, under which
foreign nationals with a valid passport and residency card can
leave the country without applying for a re-entry permit. They
will be able to re-enter Japan on their original visa provided that
they return within one year of leaving Japan. In addition, the
‘period of stay’ will be extended to a maximum of five years.
Dragons and Dolphins and Bikers for Charity? Oh, my!
The Oita Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching (Oita AJET) along with the Oita Charity Cycling Team (OCCT) invite you to
participate in our 15th Annual Oita Charity Bike Ride: The Year of the Dragon. This is an opportunity to cycle around Oita with fellow
bikers and simultaneously raise money for a worthy cause. Last year was a tremendous
success with over 50 riders and more than ¥1,600,000 raised for Tohoku disaster relief!
This year, we will continue to support the Northern Japan disaster relief effort. Our funds
will be donated to Ashinaga, a Tokyo-based nonprofit that provides financial and emotional
support for orphans. Founded in 1969, Ashinaga is currently building “Tohoku Rainbow
House” which will provide psychological support to children who have been affected by
the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
This year, the Oita Charity Bike Ride will take place on May 19th and
20th. The trip is mostly flat with a few challenging hills and measures about
100km each way. Starting in Sakanoichi, we will ride along Oita’s beautiful
coastline and then travel a bit inland through Saiki to Onagara Forest Park
( 小 半 森 林 公 園 ). After one night’s accommodation in cabins, we will
embark on our journey back up to Sakanoichi, taking a slightly altered
route. We even have scheduled a break at Tsukumi City’s Dolphin Island ( 津
久見イルカ島 ) for a highly-anticipated dolphin encounter!
We are recruiting bikers, drivers, volunteers, fundraisers, and anyone else
interested in helping make this event a success. To participate with us in this event costs ¥10,000 and includes accommodation for one
night, dinner, breakfast, snack packs, water and an event t-shirt. Any additional funds will be added towards our fundraising total.
If you would like to participate in this event in any way or have some questions, please contact us at [email protected]. More
information about the event can also be found on our website, http://oitacharitycycling.theinaka.com. The sign-up deadline has already
passed but we are flexible, so please contact us ASAP if you’d like to join. We look forward to biking with you!
2
THE TOMBO
May-June 2012
Sri Lanka in Oita - Nelum Mala
Whilst lots of attention is going to the new Oita Station on the south side of the tracks, Nelum Mala, a Sri Lankan restaurant and
cafe with an all natural menu and evocative ambiance, has opened at a perfect time to add spice back into the city’s central Galleria
Takemachi.
Just hop on the boat (metaphorically)
that sits at the entrance to the arcade and
take it almost all the way to the other end
of the shopping street. Before you get to
Oasis, you will see Nelum Mala on the
left, just past the Wazawaza building. The
mysterious “Sigiriya Lady” in the entrance
holds a lotus flower and welcomes you
to Nelum Mala, where wall paintings by
artist Shiho Shimizu, a graduate of Geijutsu Tan-ki Daigaku,
evoke the historic frescoes of Sri Lanka with images of its
tropical wildlife.
Although I didn’t know anything at all about Sri Lanka before
entering Nelum Mala, by the time I left, after my first visit my
senses were delighted with the taste of fragrant and perfectly
spiced curry, I had discovered a new found wonder which made
me want to visit this land of abundant nature, home to Ceylon
Tea, kandyan dance and the awe-inspiring Sigirya rock.
Imported spices and a South East Asian special rice known as
‘indika’ rice are the staples at Nelum Mala, where low-calorie,
healthy and spicy dishes are made with all natural ingredients and
no chemical additions. Enjoy the tastes of
Sri Lanka by choosing from at least three
kinds of curries on the lunch-time menu.
One plate comes with a choice of two
curries, salad, rice and tea (800 yen). You
can order the set without tea as well (750
yen), but the delicious imported Ceylon tea
is a Nelum Mala recommendation, so you
might want to go for the lunch-tea set!
Vegetarians: feel comfortable and
welcome as the menu contains items that
are perfectly suited to even a vegan diet. You may have found that
in Japan items labeled “vegetable curry” on the menu often have
some traces of meat. At Nelum Mala, rest assured that no animal
products are used in the vegetable curries.
There is also a Tea Time menu which includes Sri Lankan
sweets, Ceylon Tea, a curry set, or fresh juice. Roti is offered only
on the Tea Time menu, with a choice of one kind of curry (500
yen). In addition there is takeout, a great option especially for
those who work in the Oasis building or in the galleria, and are
looking for a healthy and nutritious lunch at a reasonable price
(takeout lunch box, 600 yen).
used in Sri Lanka in the salad so this
makes it a good balance to the curry
spices. This is considered the “Sri Lanka
Style”! A variety of spices are used;
including cardamon, cinnamon, cloves,
curry powder, and coconut powder. I
found the curry has a lovely and fragrant
taste with just the right amount of spice.
There are also condiments on the plate
which you can add if you’d like to make it hotter.
Note: if you are a vegan, feel free to mention it to the staff who
can explain the ingredients to you, as some of the condiments
contain some fish powder.
The restaurant takes pride in being a non-smoking establishment,
and all aspects of Nelum Mala incorporate an attitude which
stresses nature and health. Natural materials were used as much as
possible in the making of the interiors. For example, the wooden
walls and poles were painted with buttermilk paint and the natural
plaster on the main walls was applied lovingly by hand.
Nelum Mala plans to have events in the space including Sri
Lankan Dance, Indian Dance and other performances on the stage
which is painted with colorful footprints
(including mine!). The management is
looking for people who would like to do
performances or expressive arts in the
space (tables are moved for events so
the setting transforms into a small event
space). Please contact Nelum Mala if you
would like to share your performing art or
other creative ideas there.
Parties are okay too. The menu can be
rearranged so please inquire about using
the whole space if you would like to hold a party there.
Please check the Facebook page for Nelum Mala and press
the “like” button! Note that the restaurant is open weekdays for
lunchtime and tea time but the schedule sometimes changes and
days off can be irregular so please call for details.
Nelum Mala TEL: 070-5815-1906
Oita-shi, Chu-o Machi 3-5-14 1F
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nelum-Mala-ネルンマラ
/100622170060842
--Article by Joanne Yoshida
Some pointers for eating Sri Lankan curry--you can mix the
salad in with the curry to make it less spicy. Pineapple is often
3
THE TOMBO
May-June 2012
Can you find it in Oita Prefecture?
Here is what I had in mind for G, H and I from the last
issue:
K: Karaoke with a twist
G: The gorilla statue made of stone can be found in the
middle of Oita city, at the set of traffic lights between
Tokiwa department store and McDonalds (again, obviously
not for purchase or consumption). Since this discovery, I
have also noticed the turtle and lion statues as well. How
many are there in total?
If you think that you might know where to find these things,
please contact Joanne: [email protected], or
Nicole: [email protected]
L: Live jazz
H: Horse riding can be enjoyed at a number of locations
across the prefecture, with most locations offering one off
options in addition to membership plans.
El-Rancho Grande, Kusu, Kuju-machi
http://www.elrancho.jp/index.html
Riding Club Crane, Yufuin
http://www.uma-crane.com/map-yufuin-course/
Oita International
Plaza Bulletin Board
Did you know that the Oita International Plaza
I: For Ichigo-gari (strawberry picking), hopefully a few
readers were able to get outdoors and visit a strawberry
farm. Seeing where exactly produce comes from, and
getting to eat food that you have picked yourself is a fun
and rewarding experience.
website includes a bulletin board? This board is for
The letters for May and June are J, K and L (and include a
music theme):
exchange partners and more. Visit the site and register
J: A Jukebox (whether it be in working condition or just
on display)
http://www.oitaplaza.jp/english/modules/bluesbb/
people who are interested in international exchange
and are looking to broaden their network. Users can
post event information, requests to find language
to post on the board.
Date: Sunday, May 27th
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Location: Oita Prefectural Shakai Kyouiku Sougou Centre in Beppu
Cost: Free for JALT members; 500yen for non-members
Note: The presentation will be followed by a social event
Rob Waring
Notre Dame Seishin University
Balancing Language Teaching - the case for Extensive Reading
The first half of this presentation will introduce the Balanced Curriculum which shows how to balance all the important
elements of input, output, fluency focus and study focus. The second half will show how to implement this in the Japanese
language classroom with particular reference to the least implemented element which is fluency input.
Bio:
Rob Waring is an internationally recognized authority on Extensive Reading. He is a founding board member of the
Extensive Reading Foundation and Vice President of the Korean English Extensive Reading Association. He has published
numerous articles, and presented in over 20 countries. He is author and editor of three series of graded readers by Cengage
Learning.
THE TOMBO
4
May-June 2012
Festivals and Events
Date
Event Description
National
University
Sumo
Tournamentuniversity students from all over Japan will
May. 3rd
come to compete in this fierce tournament at the Usa sports ground sumo ring
Tour de Kunisaki- cyclists from across the country will cycle along the Kunisaki
May. 3rd
peninsula in this major sports event. Cycling courses range from 20km~160km.
West Japan Paragliding Championship- this event continues to attract young people
May. 3rd~
from all across the country. The beautiful scenery of Kyushu provides an ideal backdrop
th
May. 4
for the contest.
rd
May. 3 ~ Ebine Festival- there will be exhibitions and selling of agricultural products, fun things
May. 4th
planned such as stage events, games and a Yamaga-machi beef yakiniku-corner.
The 21st Ebisudani Festival- the event this year will include a lottery corner, taiko (drum)
May. 4th
and kagura (traditional dance) performances, and excursion trips around Ebisudani. An
event for the entire family!
May. 4th~ Kitsuki Castle Festival- featuring the castle town “Edo village”, and events such as
May. 5th
basket races, taiko performances.
Bungo Takada Soba Festival- this is a fun event where you can see soba being cooked
May. 6th
in a 3meter wide pot. The first 500 people will receive a taste of the soba for free!
Spring tie-dyeing- come along and experience tie-dyeing eco-bags with vegetable dyes
May. 12th made from wild grass. Participation costs ¥500, and reservations are essential. Be sure to
bring an apron and plastic gloves (if you are concerned about dye stains).
th
May. 12 ~ The 27th Shiroshita Flounder Festival- featuring shiroshita karei, a special kind of
May. 13th flounder from Hiji-machi. A firework display is scheduled for the night of the 12th.
Usa Air Base Peace Walk- a walking tour (10km course) of the former Usa air base
May. 12th
with guided explanations of the old battlefields.
Hita Yūkasai- this multi-coloured festival will feature attractions such as a flower
May. 13th
fashion show, as well as a flower selling corner and a lottery competition.
Rice planting in Kuju- run by the Kuju Furusato Shizen Gakkou. Participants can
May. 19th experience planting rice by hand. ¥1,200 participation fee which covers lunch, insurance,
and teaching materials. Reservations necessary.
Macrobiotic
lunch and yoga dance- will be held in Oita Joshi Kouen (castle park)
May. 19th
10:30~15:00 as part of the Beppu Onpaku special event schedule ( ¥3,500)
Himeshima Karei Festival- attractions will include children’s fox dance, and flounder
May. 20th
eating from 11am and 12pm for ¥1,500
May. 22nd Yoga dance and meditative walk in Kannawa- will take place from 13:00~15:30.
& Jun. 3rd Cost is ¥3,000 which includes tea and mushi-yu (steam bath).
The 65th Hita City River Opening Tourism Festival- held in accordance with the
May. 26th~
removal of fishing restrictions in Hita. This festival is becoming well known for its
th
May. 27
fireworks display and performances by local residents.
Yufuin cycling- explore Yufuin and its surroundings on a bicycle, with two courses to
May. 27th
choose from (28km and 75km). Entries for participation close May 10th.
Mt. Kuju opening- this day marks the beginning of the Kuju mountains summer
Jun. 3rd
mountain season. The festivities at the top of the mountain begin at 10am
Mud volleyball contest- gather your friends and family and come play volleyball in the
rd
Jun. 3
mud. Make teams of six, dress in costumes, play volleyball and have fun!
Kurushima night market- from 19:00 onward, you can buy local produce and art.
th
Jun. 5
There will be photo and art displays, as well as a mini concert.
Tashibunoshou rice-planting festival- this small historical rice paddy village offers a
th
Jun. 10
chance for people to experience rice planting the old fashioned way.
Shounai-chou kagura performance- come see public performances of kagura in Yufu
th
Jun. 16
City (500 parking spaces available)
Kimono appreciation- held on the third Sunday of each month, visitors can try on
kimono for free and have their picture taken. People in traditional Japanese dress can get
Jun. 16th
free entrance and discounts at selected tourist spots and restaurants.
Chimaki-making- come take a stroll through the green grass meadows, and experience
making chimaki (rice stuffed with filling, wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves) from
Jun. 16th
13:30~17:00. Participation is ¥500, advance reservations appreciated.
Rice field exploration Round 1- here you can learn about what types of creatures live
th
Jun. 30
in rice fields after the rice is planted. Participation is ¥500. Reservations are appreciated.
Location
Usa City
Usa sogo-undo-jo
Kitsuki City
Bunka-taiiku-kan
Contact #
☎ 0978-32-1111
☎ 0120-711-951
Kusu-machi
Kirikabu-yama
☎ 0973-72-4566
Kitsuki City
Yamaga-machi
☎ 0977-75-1211
Bungo Takada City
0978-54-3111
Ebisuyaba-noson kouen ☎
Kitsuki City
Jyouka-machi
Bungo Takada City
Spaland Matama
☎ 0978-63-0100
☎ 0978-22-3100
Kusu, Kuju-machi
097-373-0001
Kuju Shizen Kyoshitsu ☎
Hiji-machi
Youkokujyoushi area
Usa City
Yanagigaura
Hita City
Rose Hill Amagase
☎ 0977-72-4255
☎ 0978-32-1111
☎ 0973-57-3147
Kuju
097-373-0001
Kuju Furusato Shizen Gakkou ☎
Oita City
Joshi Kouen
Himeshima
Ferry Port
Beppu City
Fujiya Gallery
☎ 090-1165-5567
☎ 0978-87-2211
☎ 090-1165-5567
Hita City
Mikuma River
☎ 0973-23-3111
Yufu City
Yufuin
☎ 0977-85-4464
Mt. Kuju
☎ 0973-76-3150
Nakatsu City
Sachi-no-tanbo
Kusu-machi
Mori-hon-machi street
Bungo Takada City
Ozaki area
Yufu City
Shounai-chou
Kitsuki City
Jyouka-machi
☎ 0979-43-2050
☎ 0973-72-2374
☎ 0978-22-3100
☎ 0977-84-3111
☎ 0978-63-010
Kusu, Kuju-machi
097-373-0001
Kuju Shizen Kyoshitsu ☎
Kusu, Kuju-machi
097-373-0001
Kuju Shizen Kyoshitsu ☎
THE TOMBO
5
May-June 2012
STAGE & MUSIC EVENTS
May Time
Artist/Event
1st
19:30 Trio Los Fandangos- tango argentine seasonal tour
Revolt Against the “xxxx” fes- featuring Revolt, FJB, Razors
16:30
3rd
Edge, Spread, The Trust Blast, Dradnats Misspray and more
Eric Alexander & Joe Farnsworth quartet- super primetime
6th
18:00
tour
th
16:30 AAA Tour 2012
6
The 14th MUSIC FESTIVAL Argerich’s meeting point in
th
9 ~
Beppu- featuring musicians Martha Argerich (piano), Mischa
Varies
19th
Maisky (cello) Geza Hosszu-Legocky (violin), Daniil Trifonov
(piano) and others.
Jolly
Company Wind Ensemble Concert 2012- 20th
13th 14:00
Anniversary Concert
Special
Jazz&Blues Session- with guest Kai Kurosawa (from
16th 20:00
U.S.A)
18th 19:30 Machiko Watanabe acoustic live- with Mami Ishizuka
20th 14:00 Takashima Chisako- with 12 violinists
20th 18:00 UNCHAIN- “Eat the Moon Parade” album tour, with KEYTALK
TAO 2012- amazing “drum art” performance, as part of their
26th 18:00
Kyushu and Okinawa tour
th
19:00 Takeban SEEKRUIN
27
June Time
Artist/Event
rd
3
18:30 LOST IN TIME, Sakura Merrymen, Sekai Ichi
th
4
20:00 Belly Dance Show- featuring Isis & jasmine jena
8th
18:30 EGG BRAIN, MEANING, FJB and others
Venue
Brick Block
Cost
¥3,500 +drink
☎ 097-536-4852
T.O.P.S BittsHall
¥2,500
☎ 097-533-0467
Brick Block
¥7,500
☎ 097-536-4852
Iichiko Grand Theater ¥6,300
☎ 092-771-9009
Be-con Plaza
+iichiko Culture Varies
Center
☎ 097-727-2299
iichiko Otonoizumu
¥1,000
☎ 080-5265-6513
Cantaloop II
¥1,500+drink
☎ 097-548-5363
Brick Block
¥5,500w/drink
Iichiko Grand Theater ¥5,500
T.O.P.S BittsHall
¥3,000 +drink
SS:¥7,000 S:¥6,000
Iichiko Grand Theater
A: ¥5,000
T.O.P.S BittsHall
¥3,000
Venue
Cost
T.O.P.S BittsHall
¥3,000
Brick Block
¥2,000w/drink
T.O.P.S BittsHall
¥2,300
S:¥6,000A:¥5,000
Iichiko Grand Theater
B: ¥4,000
Iichiko Grand Theater ¥1,800
13th
19:00
Sièna Wind Orchestra
17th
14:00
Oita Symphony Orchestra- 2012 Family Concert
Dragon 2012- featuring PRIMARY COLOURS, VAIRUS,
Cantaloop II
Kamarosu, Takanoka Super Band
rd
23
Contact #
¥1,000+drink
☎ 097-536-4852
☎ 097-537-5515
☎ 097-533-0467
☎ 097-537-5515
☎ 097-533-0467
Contact #
☎ 097-533-0467
☎ 097-536-4852
☎ 097-533-0467
☎ 097-533-4004
☎ 090-9583-8577
☎ 097-548-5363
**Ticket prices range from student to most expensive general admission. Prices shown otherwise indicate price for purchase on the day of the event, they may be cheaper if purchased in
advance. “w/ drink” prices include a drink, “+drink” prices require the additional purchase of a drink. Times shown indicate start times, doors usually open 30 minutes beforehand.
Brick Block= 5-7-5 Ikushi, Oita City
Cantaloop II=3-2-30 Miyako-Machi
Nakayama Dai 5 Building 6F Oita City
VENUES
iichiko Grand Theater= Oasis Tower 1F Oita City T.O.P.S BittsHall.= Ikushi 5-783, Oita City
iichiko Otonoizumi= Oasis Tower 4F Oita City
Oita Culture Center= Niage-Machi 4-1,Oita City
EXHIBITIONS & SCREENINGS
Date
Description
Kanou
Mitsuo
Print
Exhibitiona display of 70 masterpieces by
Apr. 10th~
artist Kanou Mitsuo, including copper plate drawings, metal prints,
th
May. 13
lithographs and more.
“Kaiga ni miru monogatari” Display (the stories seen in paintings)Apr. 21st~
in addition, a free information workshop on the display will be held on
nd
Jul. 2
May 13th from 14:00.
Flower Poetry Picture Exhibition- featuring works by artist
May. 17th~
Tomihiro Hoshino. In support of the Great East Japan Earthquake
th
May. 29
reconstruction efforts (10:00~19:00)
th
May. 29 ~ New Collection Exhibition- the new artworks across all of the genres
Jun. 17th
will be the focus of this period.
Hirano Gogaku Exhibition- display of pieces by artist Hirano
Jun. 19th~
Gogaku, a Buddhist priest from Hita temple, Sennen-ji, marking 120
th
Jul. 8
years since his death.
Place
Admission
Contact #
Oita Art Museum
¥500
☎ 097-554-5800
Oita City
History Museum
¥200
☎ 097-549-0880
Oita City
Tokiwa main store8F
¥800
☎ 097-536-6188
Oita Art Museum
¥200
☎ 097-554-5800
Oita Art Museum
¥200
☎ 097-554-5800
Oita Art Museum= Oita-Shi Bijutsukan 大分市美術館
Oita City History Museum= Oita-Shi Rekishi Shiryoukan 大分市歴史資料館
***Most Museums and Centers are closed on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday. Student admissions vary, highest cost shown.***
THE TOMBO
What’s Going On?
6
Japanese Lessons
Himawari Japanese Volunteers
Support for people learning Japanese in order
to help them enjoy their lives in Oita, now at
three different locations.
Wasada Public Hall Wed. 10:00~12:00
Meiji Akeno Public Hall Wed. 14:00~16:00
Tsurusaki Public Hall Sat. 10:00~12:00
For more information contact Fukata Miharu
TEL: 097-527-2614
E-MAIL:nihongo_himawari_oita@yahoo.
co.jp
Nihongo Rakuraku-talk
Beppu City Hall offers free Japanese lessons
every Tuesday from 14:00~15:30. For more
information contact Beppu International
Affairs Division TEL: 097-721-6133
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Sakura Japanese Class
Come study Japanese with friendly
volunteers and teachers in a pleasant
atmosphere. Sakura Japanese Class is held
every Monday from 10:15~12:00 at the Oita
University International House in NishikiMachi, Oita City. Classes are FREE. For more
information call Ms. Ohashi
CELL: 090-7866-2486
AIUEO Japanese Lessons
Volunteers offer free Japanese lessons on
Tuesday and Friday from 10:20~11:50 at
I-NESS near Oasis Tower as well as Thursday
nights at Compal Hall from 18:30~20:00.
Lessons are also offered in Beppu at the Oita
International House on Tuesday mornings
from 10:30~12:00. For more information
contact:
Ms. Miyase 090-8353-2485 (day lessons)
Ms. Kato 097-532-5940 (night lessons)
Community
Oita International Christian Fellowship
You're welcome to join us for worship and
fellowship! Check our website at: www.
oicf3712.webs.com
Place: Compal Hall
Time: Every Sunday 10:00am~12:00pm
Check the lobby board for the room number
under "O.I.C.F."
International Kempo (Self-Defence Classes)
Ever thought about being able to defend
yourself? Join us to keep in shape and to learn
martial art-based self-defense techniques and
bo-jyutsu (stick fighting).
Place: Souda Dojo (Near Oita University)
Time: Every Friday 19:00~21:00
For more information on times and
places, please contact Katsunori Tsujita at
097-583-0959.
Rice Planting
The Kuju Furusato Shizen Gakkou is holding
a number of rice field activities throughout
the year. The next event will be the ‘Spring
rice planting’ where people can experience
rice planting done by hand without the use
of a machine. The rice seedlings here have
been grown using a traditional method called
‘yunae’. There is a ¥1,200 participation fee
which covers lunch, insurance and teaching
materials.
Date: May 19th, from 10:00~16:00
Meeting place: Kuju Furusato Shizen Gakkou
Office.
For inquiries TEL: 097-373-0001 or email:
[email protected]
“Tomare” Meditation
~Stop and find your center~
Would you like to learn more about or
participate in individual or group meditation
sessions, classes, or the Japanese healing art of
Reiki?
Thursday Evening Monthly Meditation at
Organic Cafe Hana: Explore meditation one
Thursday a month from 7PM to 8:15PM.
1500yen includes tea and sweets.
May 31st*, June 28th
*May 31st “Tomare” meditation session will
be a special “new moon meditation” as part of
Beppu Onpaku (cost: ¥2000)
For information, schedule or questions
please contact Joanne at 097-573-8053 or
[email protected]
Lunch With Us?
Japanese home cooking club for international
families living in Beppu, takes place on May
17th and June 21st at the Health Center, Yunomachi Kenko-park, Beppu City from 11am
to 2pm. 500yen to participate. For more
information contact Beppu International
Affairs Division TEL: 0977-21-6133
E-MAIL: [email protected]
SHAKE YOUR SOUL/ Kripalu Yoga
Dance
This body-spirit fitness program incorporates
elements of yoga, dance, movement therapy
and ‘qi kung’ with rhythms of music from
around the world. Held at the Nakajima Kominkan Friday mornings 10AM to 11AM
(every week) and Thursday afternoons 1:30PM
to 3PM (first and third Monday of the month).
For more information or to make reservations
contact:
Joanne TEL: 090-1165-5567
From the Plaza
Japanese Chat @ OIP
Come to the Oita International Plaza to
exchange with locals and practice your
Japanese conversation skills one-on-one in a
May-June 2012
relaxed atmosphere.
1pm ~ 2:30pm May 26th, June 23rd
Space is limited! Contact us to reserve your
seat!
TEL: 097-533-4021
EMAIL: [email protected]
Free Legal Consultations
The Oita International Plaza is holding free
legal consultations on May 16th and June
20th from 13:00~16:00.
The Oita Emigration/Immigration Affairs
Council also organizes free consultations
where emigration/immigration specialists
are available to offer advice on a variety of
topics from Immigration Bureau paperwork
and procedures, to daily life matters. The next
consultation will be held on June 3rd from
13:00~16:00. English interpretation available,
other languages may be available with
reservation two days in advance. OIP 097-5334021
Free Tagalog Consultations
Date: Saturday May 12th & Tuesday May 15th
Saturday Jun. 2nd & Tuesday Jun. 19th
Time: 13:00~16:00
Place: Oita International Plaza
Consultant: Rhodora Yoshitake
Free Chinese Consultations
Date/Time: Every Thursday 10:00~13:00 and
the second and fourth Tuesday each month
from 13:00~16:00. Place: Oita International
Plaza. Consultant: Cui Wenyu (*Dates and
times are subject to change. Please contact the
Oita International Plaza before coming.)
TEL: 097-533-4021
Free Health Consultations
The Saiseikai Hita Hospital is offering
free health consultations to and medical
examinations at the Oita International Plaza to
foreign nationals living in Oita Prefecture. For
people who are concerned about their state of
health but are not sure who to turn to these free
consultations offer a good place to start. Staff
will include a doctor, two nurses, a clerk and a
medical treatment consultant.
Date: May 16th, June 20th
Time: 14:30~15:30
Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture
Center, floor B1)
For more information contact: Saiseikai Hita
Hospital TEL: 0973-24-1100
(*Dates and times subject to change. Please
call to confirm before coming.)
THE TOMBO
7
May-June 2012
Kanji of the Month
漢字
今月
LANGUAGE LEARNING PAGE
This section aims to teach new kanji characters to beginner-level Japanese learners,
and to give intermediate and advanced learners a deeper understanding of each
character. This month’s character set is:
ANSWER/REPLY「回答」
k a i
mawasu
mawaru
The first character in the compound「回」, is read as カイ , まわす or まわる ,
and comes from a pictograph of a whirlwind and creates the notion of “going around”.
TIMES/GO AROUND/PASS AROUND「回」
t o u
k o t a e r u
The second character in the compound「答」, which is read ト ウ , こ たえる
k o t a e
or こ たえ combines bamboo「竹」and fit/match「合」and creates an image of a
bamboo cover perfectly fitting onto a container. This is meant to relate to a statement
directly answering a question.
ANSWER「答」
If we combine the characters for “times/go around” and “answer” we get the
compound:
ANSWER/REPLY「回答」
The following sentence uses the above characters to exemplify their different
readings.
せいと
えいご
あ ん け ー と
まわ
き
しつもん
むずか
生徒に英語のアンケートを回したら、
「聞かれている質問が難しす
こた
かいとう
おお
ぎて答えにくい」という回答が多かったです。
When I passed around a survey about English to the students, there were many replies
that said “the questions we are asked are too difficult and hard to answer”.
Japanese Proverbs
猿も木から落ちる
「さるもきからおちる」
“saru mo ki kara ochiru”
“Even monkeys fall from trees”
Everyone makes mistakes/ no one is perfect
Japanese Onomatopoeia
Have you ever found yourself in a Japanese conversation surrounded by ‘sounds’?
In Japanese, onomatopoeia (‘giongo’ or ‘gitaigo’) is used to describe tastes, textures,
sensations, sounds, feelings and much more.
In some exciting news, I have recently made a rather large discovery regarding
how Japanese onomatopoeia is written. Upon hearing a Japanese giongo or gitaigo
word, it can be hard to know whether it is in fact written in hiragana or katakana.
Until now, I had not managed to recognise any discernible pattern in this process,
and usually just winged it: much to the delight and laughter of Japanese friends.
However over my lunch break at work on March 9th, during a conversation about
someone’s eyes feeling rather しょぼしょぼ ‘shobo-shobo’ (dry and tired) we
got to talking about which words were written in hiragana, and which were written
in katakana.
We came to the realization that words pertaining to the state of something will more
than likely be written in hiragana, and words pertaining to sound or sensation will more
than likely be written in katakana.
よぼよぼ ‘yobo-yobo’- the tottering walk of an elderly person
ぐったり ‘guttari’- the state of being utterly exhausted
Versus
ピンポン ‘pin-pon’- the sound of a doorbell or buzzer ringing
ガチン ‘gachin’- the sound of a thump or bang as one object hits another
Of course there are many instances where something could be perceived as both
a state and a sound or sensation, which obviously does not work with this theory.
However it is, at the very least, a start. Happy onomatopoeia-ing!
(My apologies to anyone already aware of this, hopefully it was as much a lifechanging moment for you as it was for me)
Foreign Movies Showing in Oita
Only foreign films are listed. Changes may occur without notice.
Cinema
Cinema5
Central Oita
(on 5th Ave)
☎ 097-536-4512
Movie
A Separation
My Week With Marilyn
Shame
The Good Doctor
The Kid With a Bike (French)
Un Prophète (A Prophet) (French)
Toho Cinemas Larry Crowne
Wasada Town The Descendants
☎ 097-548-7878 The Muppets
Dark Shadows
Men in Black 3
Midnight in Paris
The Skin I Live in
T-Joy Cinemas Larry Crowne
Park Place
Bad Teacher
Dark Shadows
Soul Surfer
Seeking Justice
The Amazing Spiderman
Showing Date
May. 12th~25th
May. 12th~25th
May. 19th~Jun.1st
May. 26th~Jun. 1st
Jun. 2nd~15th
Jun. 9th~15th
May. 11th
May. 18th
May. 19th
May. 19th
May. 25th
May. 26th
May. 26th
May. 11th
May. 19th
May 19th
Jun. 9th
Jun. 16th
Jun. 30th
Unless otherwise noted films are shown in English, with Japanese subtitles.
Admission Standard ¥1,800 Pre-release ¥1,500 Pair ¥2,800 Seniors ¥1,000 Students ¥1,000~1,500
Special Discounts
The first day of the month ¥1,000 Ladies’ Day (Wednesdays) ¥1,000
Men’s Day is ¥1,000 (Thursday at Toho Cinemas and Cinema5)
Late Night Show (Sun-Fri) ¥1,200 (Toho Cinemas)
Making Submissions
THE TOMBO is always looking for articles and event information. Please send your
submissions to the Oita International Plaza by E-mail ([email protected]) based on the
submission deadline listed in the publication schedule below. The Oita Prefecture Cultural
and Sports Foundation reserves all copyrights to articles printed in THE TOMBO.
Issue
July/August
September/October
November/December
January/February
March/April
May/June
Publication Date
July 1st
September 1st
November 1st
January 1st
March 1st
May 1st
Submission Deadline
June 1st
August 1st
October 1st
December 1st
February 1st
April 1st
Receiving THE TOMBO
The Oita International Plaza mails THE TOMBO, free of charge, to all foreigners living
in Oita prefecture. If you would like to start receiving THE TOMBO by mail, or you
would like to cancel your subscription, or change your address, please send your name
and address to the Oita International Plaza by mail, phone, fax, or E-mail ([email protected])
THE TOMBO
8
May-June 2012
Necessities of Life
~Free Health Consultations~
Starting in April, the Saiseikai Hita Hospital as part of its
‘Nadeshiko Plan’ is offering free health consultations and medical
examinations at the Oita International Plaza to foreign nationals
living in Oita Prefecture. For people who are concerned about
their state of health but are not sure who to turn to, these free
consultations offer a good place to start. This service is aimed
in particular to those who are on a low income or unemployed,
victims of domestic violence, people concerned about the cost
of medical bills, and anyone unsure who to seek advice from
regarding medical treatment and welfare. Those in possession
of a health insurance card are asked to bring it along to the
consultations. Staff will include a doctor,
two nurses, a clerk and a medical treatment
consultant.
Consultations are held at the Oita International
Plaza (iichiko Culture Center, floor B1)
Dates: May 16th, June 20th
Time: 14:30~15:30
For inquiries please contact the Saiseikai
Hita Hospital TEL: 0973-24-1100
*Dates and times are subject to change. It is
recommended that you confirm the date and time prior to visiting.
財団
法人 大分県文化スポーツ振興財団
大分市高砂町 2−33 OASIS ひろば 21
（B1F）
国際交流プラザ
☎ 097-533-4021 FAX:097-533-4052
Oita International Plaza
Oita Prefecture Cultural & Sports
Promotion Foundation
OASIS Hiroba21（B1F）2-33 Takasago-Machi, Oita-Shi 870-0029
THANK　YOU ! !
A special thanks to all those who co-operated with us for
this issue. Your help was very much appreciated.
THE TOMBO is produced by:
Oita International Plaza
Oita Prefecture Cultural & Sports
Promotion Foundation
2-33 Takasago-Machi
Oita-Shi Oita-Ken 〒 870-0029
☎
097(533)4021
Fax 097(533)4052
E-MAIL: [email protected]
http://www.oitaplaza.jp/english/
HOURS: Monday-Friday　9:30am-7:00pm
(closed weekends and the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. We
are open on the Saturdays before these Mondays)
Closed national holidays & Dec 29 - Jan 3
The International Plaza is located on the basement floor of OASIS
Hiroba 21
（iichiko Culture Center）
.